A few days ago, I was in class and the issue of gay marriage came up. The overwhelming majority of the class expressed their support of gay marriage equality and gay rights. Yet, there were still some individuals who were very well set against the idea of gay marriage. One individual said that he was raised by very religious parents and said he just didn't agree with that "lifestyle choice", another individual stated that he was tired of "the gay thing" being shoved down his throat and he was tired of talking about it. He then went into a silly tangent about gay people needing to be more discreet and not so "in you face" about their sexual orientation.

Mind you, none of those same people who were oh so supportive of gay folks really argued with the two individuals about their archaic views. Now I don't know any of my classmates' sexual orientation so I didn't really expect anyone to fly in on their liberal horse and argue with these individuals until they were blue in the face.

But, as a gay man, should I have stood up and argued with those two people? Do I owe it to myself and the rest of the gay community to defend my sexuality EVERY TIME some misinformed jackass disagrees with it? Am I coward for not speaking up at that moment?

And to the rest of you, do you speak up and protest whenever someone, whether in a workplace or classroom setting, shows a tinge of disagreement with homosexuality?

Originally posted by GRADUAT10N This is a tricky question. On one hand, I respect everyone's rights to not express their views if they don't feel comfortable doing so (as seems to be the case with you). On the other hand, we as a community can't expect changes to be made if we don't stand up for equal rights. Granted, arguing about gay marriage in a high school classroom isn't going to make gay marriage legal. I remember once in senior year in high school in my English class we were talking about homosexuality, and one guy said he didn't agree with it because he felt it was a choice, not something you're born with. In that case I immediately corrected the poor soul, as did the majority of the class.

It is tricky, I'm all for someone having their own views, but does someone have the right to be ignorant?

And how long do people really expect to stand behind religion for their opinions?

Originally posted by ****y On Venus It is tricky, I'm all for someone having their own views, but does someone have the right to be ignorant? And how long do people really expect to stand behind religion for their opinions?

Originally posted by GRADUAT10N Well you know what they always say: ignorance isn't an excuse. If you drive 60 mph in a 35 mph zone and say you didn't know, you'll still get a ticket. So yeah, I don't think it's healthy for society to have people so ignorant on the topic of sexuality spreading those views. And sadly, people will cling to their religion and beliefs until the day they die. People will go their whole lives trying to prove their theory of how we should live to be the right way.

Either way, I just wish I had the energy to argue with someone one whenever their ignorance starts to show, but I don't.

But after a while it grows tiresome having to argue about something you can't control.

Originally posted by Eaten By Lions I went to a private Christian school all through elementary and high school (12 years). The notion of gay marriage was brought up all the time in class discussions and I would literally be the only one defending it. I would constantly be at ends with fellow classmates and often the teachers. Getting into a fight with fanatic zealots will never get you anywhere with them – however, living your life freely, being an exemplary character, showing positive attributes etc…will. When they see that your life doesn’t match up with their expectations, their views will shift. That’s just been my experience.

If you queens can discuss albums and vocals, get in here and discuss this.

If you wanna cause some drama, start something.

If you aren't feeling feisty enough, be calm and don't do anything.

Originally posted by GRADUAT10N This is a tricky question. On one hand, I respect everyone's rights to not express their views if they don't feel comfortable doing so (as seems to be the case with you). On the other hand, we as a community can't expect changes to be made if we don't stand up for equal rights. Granted, arguing about gay marriage in a high school classroom isn't going to make gay marriage legal.